These news briefs are part of The Connecticut Mirror’s 2026 political coverage. For more news about the 2026 legislative session, campaigns, elections and more, sign up here for The Issue, the CT Mirror’s weekly politics newsletter. Poll: Housing issue ranks high for CT voters Housing a ffordability is a pressing concern for voters across the political spectrum, according to a new Sacred Heart University poll released this week. And it’s expected to play a large role in the November gubernatorial election. But that doesn’t mean voters agree on how to address rising costs and housing policy: Republicans prefer reducing property taxes and other costs, while Democrats want to prioritize affordable housing and rental assistance. “That makes housing one of the defining issues of the 2026 governor’s race while also setting up a real policy debate over how the next governor should respond,” SHU political science professor Gary Rose said. — Lisa Hagen, Federal Policy Reporter PURA holds electric rates steady The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority avoided making substantial changes to electricity rates on Wednesday as it took up its mid-year review of the public benefits charge, after approving a 15% cut earlier this year. In a pair of unanimous decisions, PURA voted to make no changes to Eversource’s rates while increasing rates for United Illuminating customers by .01 cents per kilowatt hour. Those rates will be in effect from Sept. 1 to April 30. PURA undertakes semi-annual reviews of the public benefits charge and other minor components of customers’ electric bills as part of what’s known as the rate adjustment mechanism. Those reviews do not typically cover charges related to the generation and distribution of electricity, which make up the majority of customers’ bills. — John Moritz, Energy Environment Reporter CSCU plans major expansion of internal audit division The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system is continuing to grow its internal auditor division two years after a scandal over improper P-card use led to the ouster of its chancellor. The General Assembly subsequently mandated CSCU reinstitute its internal auditor office, which had closed years earlier due to budget cuts, according to board member Donald Williams. Now the new internal auditor has proposed phasing in 19 positions over the next few years, with an estimated cost of over $1.8 million. The proposal must be approved by the board and state legislature before taking effect. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Education Reporter Lamont endorsed by Realtors Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday announced that his campaign had received the endorsement of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade organization. Lamont, who is running for a third term against GOP candidate Ryan Fazio, has prioritized funding for first-time homeowners in his administration. He’s also pushed for some bills that aim to increase housing production across the state, although he notably vetoed a Democratically supported housing omnibus bill last year. The CT Realtors endorsed Lamont during his campaign for a second term, but endorsed Republican Bob Stefanowski in 2018, when Lamont first ran. — Ginny Monk, Investigative Reporter Trump administration offers guidance on school technology The U.S. Department of Education released a letter on Thursday encouraging schools to be “intentional” about technology use. The department urged schools to distinguish between recreational and instructional use and to evaluate technology based on “demonstrated learning outcomes … rather than screen time alone.” While the letter highlights some concerns with educational technology, its overall prescription is lighter than the state-level guidance Connecticut adopted earlier this month. The State Board of Education now recommends bell-to-bell bans on personal devices and encourages schools to shift away from digital instruction tools where appropriate. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Education Reporter Housing construction working group formed Three Democratic state representatives on Tuesday announced that they’d formed a working group to look at safety when using new construction methods on housing projects. The group will examine whether Connecticut’s fire and building codes will ensure safety in modular housing developments, among other technologies. It follows concerns from Bethel residents who objected to a Vessel Technologies affordable housing proposal. The company develops affordable housing, generally by building it offsite to cut down on costs. Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel, Real Estate Committee co-Chair Rep. Kerry Wood, D-Rocky Hill, and Housing Committee co-Chair Rep. Antonio, Felipe, D-Bridgeport will lead the group. — Ginny Monk, Investigative Reporter ...read more read less